Gate:
Garrett, Ridings, Higham, Abanuwah, Bertrand, Westwood (C), Riley, Webster Iley, Ing,Pollard
Subs:
Trialist,Trialist, Staunton-Turner,Trialist, Parker, Trialist

Reported by James Ashton

Following Tuesday’s home match against AFC Fylde, Gate had another tough test at the Brian Addison Stadium as they hosted a Blackpool XI.

The Blackpool XI was made up of the excellent Youth Team that finished fourth in the North West Youth Alliance League last season and included Rob Apter and Ewan Bange who have both appeared in the Blackpool first team.

It was Gate though who started stronger, with a deflected effort from Dean Ing inside the first minute brilliantly kept out by Charlie Monks. Captain Josh Westwood then headed narrowly over from a corner just two minutes later.

Matty Garrett, who made his first start of pre-season in goal for Gate, was called into action on seven minutes as he made a strong save at his near post after being dispossessed by Bange.

Gate kept up their pressure and went close through both wingbacks Jacob Ridings and Jake Higham, but it was Blackpool who opened the scoring on 22 minutes with James Harrison taking advantage of a goal mouth scramble.

Luke Evans’ men looked to hit back though, and somehow didn’t find an equaliser after Monks showed brilliant reflexes to deny Ing several times in a row from close range.

It was made 2-0 though on 35 minutes with Luke Mariette finding the bottom corner from distance after a well worked short corner.

Ing headed over from a tight angle for Gate while Blackpool had a goal rightly ruled out for offside before the break.

Half Time: Squires Gate 0-2 Blackpool XI

The second half didn’t quite start as frantic as the first half played out, with the first notable effort coming from Ryan Riley who hit a free kick over the bar 25 yards from goal.

Just as it looked like Gate were gaining a foothold in the game, a brilliant lob from Arnold Matshazi made it 3-0 to the visitors on 57 minutes.

Gate kept things fresh, making a host of changes including the introduction of former Blackpool striker Keigan Parker who had a warm reception from the supporters.

Gate thought they got one back on 70 minutes as an excellent run from Ridings led to Ing rounding the ‘keeper and finding the net but despite his well timed run the offside flag was up. The blow was hardened just a minute later as Dannen Francis made it 4-0 with a free header from close range.

After winning a penalty on 79 minutes, Blackpool grabbed three more goals in just five minutes, with Bange dispatching the penalty past Garrett. A clever headed finish from Prince Yelegon was then followed by a second goal of the evening for Francis.

Full Time: Squires Gate 0-7 Blackpool XI

A tough defeat to take for Luke Evans’ men after a promising first hour but an extremely strong performance from the young Blackpool side.